Arup to support delivery of UK’s first small modular reactor at Wylfa
Arup to support delivery of UK’s first small modular reactor at Wylfa
19 March 2026
Arup has been appointed by Great British Energy – Nuclear (GBE-N) to provide early-stage engineering support for the UK’s first small modular reactor (SMR) at Wylfa on Anglesey.
Working alongside project partners LDA Design, TÜV SÜD Nuclear Technologies, Mace Consult and Gleeds, Arup will deliver early-phase foundation engineering and design services to support optioneering, feasibility studies and the development of an integrated, site-specific concept design.
The Wylfa project represents a significant step in the UK’s plans to deploy a new generation of nuclear infrastructure, with the site selected to host the country’s first SMRs. Once operational, the development is expected to generate up to 1.5GW of low-carbon electricity, contributing to national energy security and net zero targets.
The appointment marks the start of the project’s early technical and design phases, which will focus on establishing the engineering and site conditions required to support the deployment of modular nuclear technology. This includes developing foundation solutions tailored to the specific characteristics of the Wylfa site.
The wider project team brings together expertise across nuclear safety, planning, programme delivery and cost management. TÜV SÜD Nuclear Technologies will support regulatory and safety considerations, while LDA Design will lead masterplanning. Mace Consult and Gleeds will provide programme and cost advisory services respectively.
The scheme is being progressed by GBE-N in collaboration with preferred technology partner Rolls-Royce SMR, with the project forming part of a planned fleet of small modular reactors across the UK.
The global SMR market is expected to grow significantly over the coming decades, and the Wylfa development is positioned as a key early project in establishing the UK’s capability in this sector.
Construction of the facility is expected to generate substantial economic activity, with thousands of jobs anticipated during peak delivery and long-term roles supported across the supply chain.
